I am an Arapahoe High School Graduate. I attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas and Colorado State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude from CSU in 1993. I hold my professional license in Colorado, certified to teach Art K-12. I have been married since 1992, and have a son and daughter.

I began my teaching career in Virginia. After moving from Virginia to California, I returned to Colorado in 1997 and began teaching Art at CCA.

While teaching at CCA, I have received national awards from Original works based on our student work, participated in multiple art shows with my own art and that of my students, mentored new teachers in their induction training and student teacher training, and was selected as a Star Teacher by the Colorado League of Charter Schools in 2014. I have also had my art work and writing published multiple times in a locally produced magazine.

I have a passion for art, (working mainly in acrylic and watercolor), as well as running, reading, and cooking. Any time spent with my family is time well spent. We love to do outdoor activities and play games.

I am looking forward to another great year with our incredible CCA family and can't wait to see the artwork our students create!

Our journey in art is not only an exploration of materials, techniques and art history, it is also an area where students gain access to the “big picture”. They get to explore the world visually, communicate their thoughts, explore ideas, invent new realities and do it with a positive attitude and approach. I teach children art history, art production, art techniques and materials and art criticism. Children that I teach feel success at the completion of an artwork, understand that art is meant to be seen and discussed, that artistic style and subject matter reflect the world around them and in them. Students process art with me through writing, discussing, thinking, creating, imagining, developing skills, applying knowledge and reflecting upon their work and the work of others.

Art brings us self-confidence and self-expression, which in many ways are just as important as the art skills that the students learn along the way. Our destination is a full and happy life, and art is one vehicle that will make the adventure even more enjoyable! I thoroughly enjoy this journey and the company of the young artists who are my traveling companions.